2 Peter

Chapter 1

2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Vernon McGee: v. 1 — “Simon Peter” — the name Simon appears here, but it does not in 1 Peter 1:1. Christ never stands alone in this epistle; Jesus is added here, elsewhere Savior and Lord are also added.

to them that have obtained = The Greek word implies that they have not won it or earned it for themselves, but that it has been allotted to them.

2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

v. 2 — “Knowledge” occurs nine times (with cognates) in this chapter.

Confirm Your Calling and Election

2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

divine power and given unto us = God has given us everything we need to live a life of godliness. We are not dependent upon ourselves or anything or anyone else. We have everything we need through Jesus Christ.

He called us = we didn’t earn our salvation, he called us, God’s initiative, his action.

goodness = this is his basic character, he is good. His very virtue.

Vernon McGee: v. 3 — His blessings come “through the knowledge of him.” “Virtue” is excellence.

2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

partakers of the divine nature = we are born again and made part of God’s family. Joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

that is in the world through lust = we live in a broken, fallen world. The only escape from our sinful world and sinful nature is through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

Vernon McGee:v. 4 — “Precious promises” come through the knowledge of Him. “Partakers of the divine nature” come through the knowledge of Him (John 17:3).

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

add to your faith = a verb, an action item. Pursue it, take action.

2Pe 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2Pe 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Vernon McGee:vv. 5-7 — These graces are not given in the order of their priority. One does not depend upon the other, but they are placed in orderly sequence.

“And beside this” is for this very cause.
“Add” is supply — have all the graces.
“Virtue” is excellence with energy.
“Brotherly kindness” is love of the brethren. This is enthusiasm for the knowledge of Christ.

FAITH: By faith we are born again. Until faith is present, good works mean nothing. It’s impossible to please god without faith.
GOODNESS: moral excellence. The same quality that Peter attributed to God himself.
KNOWLEDGE: “practical knowledge” … the knowledge of Him…the knowledge of truth … and being able to apply that.
SELF CONTROL: self control in all areas of your life… behavior, food, etc.
ENDURANCE: Perseverance.
GODLINESS: We must pursue Godliness, becoming more Christlike in our nature.
BROTHERLY AFFECTION & LOVE: Phileous (like a brother love) and Agape love (unconditional love).

2Pe 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is gospel transformation, your walk of sanctification. Growing in Christ, through Christ.

Vernon McGee: v. 8 — “Barren” is idle. Paul’s great desire was to know Christ (Philippians 3:10).

2Pe 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

The person who does not grow in Christ is like being blind, making no effort to walk or grow in Christ. Shortsided.

Vernon McGee:v. 9 — Sterility and lack of enthusiasm may lead to the place where the believer will forget he has been saved.

2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Vernon McGee: v. 10 — Make your calling and election more sure. It is possible to believe in the security of the believer but lack the assurance of salva- tion.
Security of the believer is objective; Assurance of salvation is subjective.

brethren = we are all brothers, fellow saints in Christ.

your calling and election = God has given us the way unto salvation. He had called you out of darkness, He has elected you as his own. All you must do is accept him as your Lord, repent of your sins, and confess him.

2Pe 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

entrance = entrance into the everlasting eternity with our Lord, in heavenly joy.

2Pe 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

Holman commentary: His words imply that there was already a settled body of Christian teaching which the apostles and early church planters were carefully passing on. The verb rendered established (or “strengthened”) is also found in Jesus’ personal commission to Peter: “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).

Luk 22:32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

2Pe 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

Vernon McGee: vv. 11-13 — Peter felt called to stir up these saints to grow in grace lest spiritual senility set in.

2Pe 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

Holman commentary: Peter had received special information from Jesus about his impending death. Whether Peter was recalling his conversation with Jesus shortly after the resurrection (John 21:18-19), or whether he had received recent revelation from our Lord Jesus Christ, is unknown.

John 21:18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” John 21:19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Vernon McGee: v. 14 — Tradition tells us that Peter was crucified with his head down because he was not worthy to die as Christ did (John 21:18, 19).

II. Authority of the Scriptures attested by fulfilled prophecy,
Chapter 1:15-21

2Pe 1:15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

Peter knew his death was close. Soon after this writing he was martyred by Nero. But even knowing he was close to death, he was encouraging his readers to keep the faith.

Vernon McGee: v. 15 — “Decease” is exodus. In light of his approaching death, Peter calls attention to that which should be remembered.

Christ’s Glory and the Prophetic Word

2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Vernon McGee: v. 16 — “Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses” — when did this take place? The next verse explains.

2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Holman commentary: Peter never got over his astonishment that he (along with James and John) had the unspeakable privilege of seeing Jesus’ honor and glory revealed by God the Father. The opponents Peter was combating could claim no such eyewitness experience.
The voice from the heavenly Father (here alone in Scripture designated the Majestic Glory) extolled Jesus. Note the following affirmations the Father made about Jesus:
• Jesus is uniquely My…Son. Jesus alone is the eternal Son of the Father. As redeemed people, we are brought into God’s family as His adopted children (1 Pet. 1:14-17).
• The Father uniquely loves His Son. At the transfiguration, the Father reaffirmed aloud the affection He had proclaimed when His Son was baptized (Mark 1:11; 9:7).
• The Father is greatly pleased with His Son. Again, the heavenly voice declared again what had been spoken at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:11).

Vernon McGee: vv. 17, 18 — This is a reference to the Transfiguration and offers the explanation for Matthew’s strange statement (see Matthew 16:28). Matthew follows this with an account of the Transfiguration.

Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Vernon McGee::v. 19 — Something more reliable and trustworthy than being an eyewitness to the Transfiguration is “a more sure word of prophecy.” Scripture is a light that is focused on the appearing of the “day star.”

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Vernon McGee::v. 20 — No prophecy of the Scripture is to be interpreted apart from other references to the same subject.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Vernon McGee::v. 21 — “Holy men” were men set apart for the task of writing Scripture. They were carried along by the Holy Spirit like a sailboat is carried by the wind.

Chapter 2

False Prophets and Teachers

2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Vernon McGee: v. 1 — “False prophets” brought in heresy to the nation Israel. “False teachers” are the bearers of heresy and apostasy into the church. One of the marks of identification is that they deny Christ’s work of redemption for them.

2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Vernon McGee: v. 2 — False followers will go after false teachers. God’s elect cannot be permanently deceived. 1 Corinthians 11:19 explains the rea- sons why God permits cults.

1Co 11:19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

2Pe 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Vernon McGee: v. 3 — “Covetousness” is another mark of a false teacher. The apostle gives a list of three types of apostates in the past who will appear in the future.

2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Vernon McGee: v. 4 — (1) “Angels that sinned” — even some angels rebelled against God. Rebellion against God will appear in the last days (see Psalm 2:1-3).

Psa 2:1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? Psa 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, Psa 2:3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

2Pe 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Vernon McGee: v. 5 — (2) The ungodly of Noah’s day left God out of their lives, even in eating and drinking and in marriage (Matthew 24:37-39).

Mat 24:37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Mat 24:38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
Mat 24:39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

2Pe 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

Vernon McGee: v. 6 — (3) Gross immorality characterized Sodom and Gomorrah (see Romans 1:24-32).

Rom 1:24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
Rom 1:25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;
Rom 1:27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
Rom 1:28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Rom 1:29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
Rom 1:30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
Rom 1:31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Rom 1:32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

Vernon McGee: vv. 7, 8 — This is enlightening. The record in Genesis does not make it clear that Lot was a righteous man; in fact, it implies the opposite.

2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Vernon McGee: v. 9 — God can and will do two things, of which Lot’s experi- ence is an illustration:
(1) “Deliver the godly out of temptations” (2) Keep the unjust for judgment

2Pe 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Vernon McGee: v. 10 — These are total apostates, hopeless.

2Pe 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
2Pe 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

Vernon McGee: v. 12 — These apostates are like animals.

2Pe 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

2Pe 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Vernon McGee: v. 15 — “Following the way of Balaam” is being covetous, will- ing to sell his gift for money.

2Pe 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
2Pe 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
2Pe 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
2Pe 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

Vernon McGee: v. 20 — These apostates have a head knowledge. They know the truth but have not received a love of the truth.

2Pe 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2Pe 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Vernon McGee: v. 22 — This is a frightful and awful description of an apostate. This is Peter’s parable of the prodigal pig — “the sow that was washed.” The pig professed to like the father’s house, but he returned to the pigpen of his old man. (See Jude for a more complete description of apostates.)

Chapter 3

Summary of Chapter 3:
Peter’s teaching in this chapter can be organized as follows:

• Scoffers will deny the coming of the Lord (3:1-7).
• The Lord is patient regarding His return because He wants more people to repent (3:8-10).
• Believers are to live godly lives in light of the Lord’s return (3:11-13).
• In conclusion, believers are to be on guard spiritually and morally at all times (3:14-18).

The Day of the Lord Will Come

KEY DOCTRINE: According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth, the dead will be raised, and Christ will judge all men in righteousness

2Pe 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

beloved: When I type in beloved and do a search, this word appears six times in my search. Peter shows his love for the people he is writing to here, again!

2Pe 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

mindful: don’t forget what you have learned, think about these things, they are important.

which were spoken before by the holy prophets: The importance of the testimony of prophecy (obviously here O. T. prophecy, and specially those sections of it which spoke of the Advent of Messiah)

2Pe 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

last days – the era that began with the first coming of Christ, because the “first days” meant the Old Testament period—the centuries of preparation for the coming of the Messiah and the outpouring of the Spirit (see Acts 2:17).

Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

scoffers – those who disdain or look with contempt. We still have those today. Self-indulgence often leads to skepticism.

2Pe 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Where is the promise of his coming: (Mal 2:17, “Where is the God of judgment?”). The Lord had prophesied of his coming; St. Paul had spoken more than once as if that coming were very near at hand (1Co 15:51; 2Co 5:4; 1Th 4:15). Yet he came not. Already men were beginning to mock, and to question whether the long-delayed promise would ever be fulfilled.

fathers – He may have meant the Old Testament patriarchs (such as Abraham and Isaac). Or he may have had in mind the first generation of Christians who already fell asleep; that is, they had died (such as Stephen and James; Acts 7:60).

Act 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

2Pe 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

The scoffers were deliberately ignoring important, unassailable truths from the Book of Genesis. First, it was the word of God that had brought about the original creation of the heavens and the earth. Peter’s emphasis on the place of water in the creation is similar to the emphasis found in Genesis (1:6-10).

Peter picked up the theme of water to make his second point about divine intervention: the world of that time went through these waters, and all people and animals perished. The flood is, of course, a supreme example of divine judgment being brought about by the word of God (Get 6-9)

Thus, the original creation and the flood of judgment in the days of Noah are two obvious examples of God’s intervention in the world. For the scoffers to overlook these two, Peter thought, was a matter showing that they willfully ignored the facts of history.

2Pe 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

The same word of God that brought the world into existence and then judged the world is now sustaining the present heavens and earth.
• But God’s preservation is not indefinite; it will not last forever.
• The current state of affairs will last only until God is ready to judge the world again, this time with fire.
• As surely as the flood resulted in the destruction of ungodly men, so in His return the Lord Jesus will unleash the day of judgment.
• The references to fire and destruction should not be understood to refer to an annihilation of the wicked. Peter and the other writers of the New Testament understood that a literal hell lies ahead for the unrepentant.

2Pe 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Now Peter showed the reasons why God seemed to be delaying the second coming.
• The first reason is that God has a different perception of the passing of time than we humans do.
• He created space and time, and we humans are locked into a narrow sliver of time (seventy or so years, if we have a typical lifespan).
• God sees all times equally, and this fact must not escape us.
• In the light of God’s eternal perspective one day is no different than a thousand years and vice versa (Ps. 90:4).

Psa 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

• Thus, we as humans often seethe with impatience at God’s timeline, but He sees everything in the light of eternity.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The second reason that God seems to be delaying the second coming is not His indifference but rather that He is patient with people.
• He is waiting so that all who will come to repentance and faith in Christ will do so.
• As the God of creation and judgment, He is not wanting any to perish.
• He provided the Savior and offers salvation.
• Yet He will not force salvation on those who refuse Him.
• Just as surely, however, as God’s patience finally ran out in the days of Noah and the judgment waters of the flood destroyed the world, so too will God’s patience finally run out and the judgment fire connected with Christ’s return will fall.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Day of the Lord
Amo 5:18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. Amo 5:19 As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Amo 5:20 Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?

the Day of the Lord.
• It will come suddenly. Just as a thief breaks in without warning, so Christ’s return will be (1 Thess. 5:2). His coming is certain, yet its time will be unexpected.
• It will come universally. No person will escape (just as in the flood of Noah). Peter described a cataclysmic event: the heavens will pass away and the elements will burn and be dissolved. Ultimately, there will be a new heaven and new earth (Rom. 8:18-25; Rev. 21:1-8).
• It will come as a final evaluation. Not only will the earth itself be exposed, so will the works that people have done. Everything at last will be disclosed. Again, Peter was not teaching the obliteration of the wicked; rather, he was teaching the certainty of judgment.

Vernon McGee note:
v. 10 — “Noise” (Greek rhoizedon) is the word used for the swish of an arrow, the rush of wings, the splash of water, the hiss of a serpent.

“Elements” refer to basic material, atoms, the building blocks of the universe.

“Melt” is dissolve.

“Fervent heat” is energy. These descriptive words make us think of an atomic explosion

2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

As believers, we are to live for that which is eternal, not for that which is destined to be demolished. Peter noted two moral qualities—near synonyms—that will enable us to (1) avoid the devastation of the last judgment and (2) last for eternity.

2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

• We are to live with a stance of anticipation.
• We wait for and earnestly desire the time when we will finally attain the goal for which we have been longing.
• The heavens will be permanently changed, as they will be on fire and be dissolved.
• God will at last bring these things about, and we are to be expectant.
• What makes this worth waiting for are the new heavens and a new earth.
• Peter’s main point is that our final destination—as those who have been born again and lived lives of holiness and godliness—will be where righteousness will dwell. Just think about it: at last all the marks of sin and evil will be gone, and we will enjoy God’s holy presence forever and ever.

Final Words

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

This leads to holy living

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

Patient waiting is mental adjustment to the present world situation. Paul also wrote of these things.

2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Peter admits that Paul wrote of truth in depth — but so did Peter.

2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

The coming of Christ should make for a stable and steadfast life.

2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Vernon McGee: This is the all-important program for the child of God now. Paul said, “Study.” Peter said, “Grow.” Both refer believers to the Bible and the study of it.

• Avoid error in the Christian life.
• Grow in grace and grow in knowledge.
• The gospel is best expressed in one word: grace (God’s unmerited favor).
• Grace is coupled with truth or knowledge, for example, knowledge about the certainty of Christ’s return and coming judgment. Peter had emphasized knowledge at the very beginning of his letter
• Peter was ready for his conclusion. There was no better way to end than with a brief doxology, a word of praise
• God receives all the praise now, perfectly in heaven (Isa. 6:1-3; Rev. 4–5) and imperfectly on earth.

Isa 6:1-3 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

• Yet we look forward to the time when God will be unendingly and perfectly praised throughout all eternity. Peter concluded his song of praise with a hearty Amen.

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1 Kings

Dr. Vernon McGee’s notes from http://ttb.org

1 and 2 KINGS
The second in the series of three double books. Originally one book, they were divided by the Septuagint translators.

WRITER: Although the writer is unknown, it was written while the first temple was still standing (1 Kings 8:8). Jeremiah is the traditional writer. Modern scholarship assigns the authorship to “the prophets.”

THEME: Standard of the kingdom: “as David his father” (repeated nine times in 1 Kings). It was a human standard, but man failed to attain even to it.

KEY VERSES: 2 Kings 17:22, 23 and 25:21

FEATURES:
1. Practically all the rulers were evil.
2. God’s patience in dealing with them.
3. Names of the mothers are given of both good and bad kings.
4. God’s grace in sending revival when the king, with the people,
turned to Him.
5. Prominence of the prophet and insignificance of the priest.
6. God’s long delay before the captivity of both Israel and Judah.
7. Man’s total inability to rule for God.
8. Wicked kings who had godly sons, also good kings who had
wicked sons.

KINGDOM: First Kings records the division of the kingdom; Second Kings records the collapse of the kingdom. Considered together, they open with King David and close with the king of Babylon. They are the book of man’s rule of God’s kingdom. The throne on earth must be in tune with the throne in heaven if blessings come and benefits accrue to the people. Yet man’s plan cannot overthrow God’s purposes.

PURPOSE: It is a continuation of the narrative begun in 1 & 2 Samuel. Actually, 1 & 2 Samuel with 1 & 2 Kings can be viewed as one book. In these four books the history of the nation is traced from the time of its greatest extent, influence, and prosperity under David and Solomon to the division and finally the captivity and exile of both kingdoms.
The moral teaching is to show man his inability to rule himself and the world. In these four historical books we have the rise and fall of the kingdom of Israel.

OUTLINE:
I. Death of David, 1 Kings 1, 2
II. Glory of Solomon’s reign, 1 Kings 3 — 11
A. Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, Chapters 3, 4
B. Building of the Temple, Chapters 5 — 8
C. Fame of Solomon, Chapters 9, 10
D. Shame and death of Solomon, Chapter 11
III. Division of the kingdom, 1 Kings 12 — 2 Kings 16 (See table on next page)
IV. Captivity of Israel by Assyria, 2 Kings 17
V. Decline and captivity of Judah by Babylon, 2 Kings 18 — 25

David in His Old Age

1Ki 1:1 Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.
1Ki 1:2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.
1Ki 1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
1Ki 1:4 And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

Adonijah Sets Himself Up as King

1Ki 1:5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
1Ki 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.
1Ki 1:7 And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.
1Ki 1:8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.
1Ki 1:9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’s servants:
1Ki 1:10 But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

Nathan and Bathsheba Before David

1Ki 1:11 Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?
1Ki 1:12 Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.

If Adonijah has succeeeded as King, he would have killed Bathsheba and all of her family to prevent them from ever taking the throne away from him.

1Ki 1:13 Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?
1Ki 1:14 Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words.
1Ki 1:15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.
1Ki 1:16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
1Ki 1:17 And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.
1Ki 1:18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:
1Ki 1:19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.
1Ki 1:20 And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.
1Ki 1:21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.

It was common practice in those days to kill all potential relatives of the new king to prevent them from ever taking over the throne.

1Ki 1:22 And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in.
1Ki 1:23 And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
1Ki 1:24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?
1Ki 1:25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king’s sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.
1Ki 1:26 But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called.
1Ki 1:27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?

Solomon Anointed King

1Ki 1:28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king.
1Ki 1:29 And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,
1Ki 1:30 Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.
1Ki 1:31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.
1Ki 1:32 And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.
1Ki 1:33 The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:
1Ki 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
1Ki 1:35 Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.
1Ki 1:36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.
1Ki 1:37 As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.
1Ki 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.

Mule = Mules were common transport of the Kings. Horses were for war, not for normal transportation.

1Ki 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.
1Ki 1:40 And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.
1Ki 1:41 And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?
1Ki 1:42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.
1Ki 1:43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.
1Ki 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king’s mule:
1Ki 1:45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.
1Ki 1:46 And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom.
1Ki 1:47 And moreover the king’s servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.
1Ki 1:48 And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.
1Ki 1:49 And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way.

Notice how the “traitors” of King David now ran away when David selected Solomon as the next King instead of Adonijah.

1Ki 1:50 And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

horns of the alter = the horns of the alter was a safe-haven. It was like running to God for safety.

1Ki 1:51 And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to day that he will not slay his servant with the sword.
1Ki 1:52 And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.
1Ki 1:53 So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.

Chapter 2

1Ki 2:1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
1Ki 2:2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

1Ki 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
1Ki 2:4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
1Ki 2:5 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
1Ki 2:6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
1Ki 2:7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
1Ki 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
1Ki 2:9 Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.

David has promised Shimei to not kill him, but all bets were off once Solomon became King. David wanted Shimei to pay for the sins he had committed.

1Ki 2:10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
1Ki 2:11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
1Ki 2:12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

Solomon’s Reign Established

1Ki 2:13 And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.
1Ki 2:14 He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.
1Ki 2:15 And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the LORD.
1Ki 2:16 And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.
1Ki 2:17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.
1Ki 2:18 And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.
1Ki 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.
1Ki 2:20 Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.
1Ki 2:21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
1Ki 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

Adonijah had not given up trying to be king. He wanted a political wedding to strengthen his rise to the throne.

1Ki 2:23 Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
1Ki 2:24 Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.
1Ki 2:25 And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
1Ki 2:26 And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.
1Ki 2:27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.
1Ki 2:28 Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
1Ki 2:29 And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.
1Ki 2:30 And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the LORD, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.
1Ki 2:31 And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.
1Ki 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
1Ki 2:33 Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the LORD.
1Ki 2:34 So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
1Ki 2:35 And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
1Ki 2:36 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
1Ki 2:37 For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.
1Ki 2:38 And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
1Ki 2:39 And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.
1Ki 2:40 And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
1Ki 2:41 And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.
1Ki 2:42 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.
1Ki 2:43 Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?
1Ki 2:44 The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;
1Ki 2:45 And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever.
1Ki 2:46 So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

Chapter 3

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

1Ki 3:1 And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
1Ki 3:2 Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.

sacrificed in high places: pagan worship. The Isrealites were worshipping false gods.

1Ki 3:3 And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
1Ki 3:4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
1Ki 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
1Ki 3:6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
1Ki 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
1Ki 3:8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
1Ki 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
1Ki 3:10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
1Ki 3:11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
1Ki 3:12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
1Ki 3:13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
1Ki 3:14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
1Ki 3:15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

1Ki 3:16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
1Ki 3:17 And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
1Ki 3:18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
1Ki 3:19 And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
1Ki 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
1Ki 3:21 And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.
1Ki 3:22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
1Ki 3:23 Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
1Ki 3:24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
1Ki 3:25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
1Ki 3:26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
1Ki 3:27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
1Ki 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

A bible study by Adam Osborne, JR.

Chapters: | 1 | 2 | 3| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |9 | |10 | |11 |16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 29 | | 30 | | 31 | | 51 | 63 |84 | 95 |

The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Blessed–literally, “oh, the happiness”–an exclamation of strong emotion, as if resulting from reflecting on the subject. The use of the plural may denote fulness and variety

Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

law–all of God’s word then written, especially the books of Moses

meditate – to moan, growl, utter, speak, muse. See Isaiah 31:4…. the lioness is growling over her prey, she is declaring it hers, it belongs to her. Meditating on God’s word is the same, it is yours, it belongs to you.

Isaiah 31:4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Jer 17:8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

shall prosper–literally, “make prosper,” brings to perfection.

Psa 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

like the chaff–which, by Eastern modes of winnowing against the wind, was utterly blown away.

Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Psa 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

stand in the judgment–be acquitted. They shall be driven from among the good. They will be present for the judgment, but they will not be able to endure it. They will not stand, but kneel.

Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Psa 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

knoweth the way–attends to and provides for them

Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Hosea 13:5 I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

way of the wicked–All their plans will end in disappointment and ruin

Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Summary of Chapter 1. There are two paths in life you can take. One path leads to life, the other path leads to death.

Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deu 30:20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

The Law of the Lord Is Perfect

Psa 19:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Psa 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Psa 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

God speaks through his creation! There are some things that we can learn about God through his creation.
• He exists. The heavens declare the glory of God.
• We learn about God through General Revelation, available to everyone. You don’t need scripture to know that God exists.
• All of creation tells us that God is a designer. He designed everything for a purpose. Man needs oxygen, so God created plants to give us oxygen. Think about the physics involved on this earth spinning around like a globe on an axis!
• God’s stamp, his signature is on everything. He is a God of order, power, laws, omnipotence,
• God is a caring God, God is a loving God, just look at nature.
• It doesn’t matter if you believe it or not, God’s glory is happening every day. The heavens declare the glory of God every day.
• It doesn’t matter what your IQ is, it doesn’t matter what language you speak.
• See Romans Chapter One!

Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

God speaks through His Word.
• The “law” (the Old Testament); the statutes.
• They are telling us God’s truths.
• God’s GRACE is revealed in His written Word.

Sola Scriptura
Psalms 19:7-11
Rev Mark Dooley, Leonardtown Baptist Church
11.5.2017

Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

1. The world around us reveals God to us. Verses 1 to 6.

Romans 1:19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

2. The witness within us reveals God to us. Verses 12-14
3. The Word before us reveals God to us. Verses 7-11

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Note: Notice in Psalms, it is assumed that you believe in God. He is very close, very intimate. In Psalms, the people who do not believe in God are called “fools” (see Psalm Chapter 14).

Psa 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

This is the summary for the entire 23rd psalm. God is our shepherd, and we will not want or lack anything. This does not mean you will get everything you want, it means you will receive everything you need. When you are going through trails or distress, sometimes you will just get manna, so don’t complain. You need to have an “attitude of gratitude” (Barb Darden catch phrase). God decides what you need, not us.

Sheep/Shepherd is a huge metaphor throughout the bible. It is important for you to understand this relationship or you cannot fully understand the full context of the writers meaning.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Matt 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Luke 15:3-6 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Matt 25:31-33 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Matt 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

We will not lack rest. We will not lack restoration. In Hebrew, it is important here to understand the emphasis of rest, yes he is leading you, which is good, but the emphasis is rest. The purpose of rest is restoration, to be fully recharged. Then, to go back out into the world.

Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

We will not lack guidance. He will never steer you wrong. He will put you on the narrow path, the right path.

Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

We will not lack protection. This also translates in the Hebrew to “deep shadows, deep valleys”…so as you have ups and downs in your life, he will lead you.

Psa 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

We will not lack abundance.

Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

We will not lack hope. “Surely” also translates to ONLY.

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

Psa 33:1 Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.

befits = literally means to be at home.

Psa 33:2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Psa 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

skillfully = We should not give to God anything less than our very best.

Psa 33:4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
Psa 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psa 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
Psa 33:7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.
Psa 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
Psa 33:9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Psa 33:10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
Psa 33:11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
Psa 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psa 33:13 The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man;
Psa 33:14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,
Psa 33:15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.
Psa 33:16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
Psa 33:17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.
Psa 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
Psa 33:19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.

that he may deliver = salvation. The death of Christ on the cross accomplished our salvation!

Psa 33:20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
Psa 33:21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Psa 33:22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Rev. Mark Dooley

1. The right to praise (verse 1).

2. The rigors of praise (verses 2-5)

3. The reasons for praise (verses 6-19)

• (a) God’s creation which exhibits His power (verses 6-9)
• (b) God’s control which exhibits His providence (verses 10-11)
• (c) God’s care which exhibits His plan (verses 12-19)

4. The results of praise (verses 20-22)

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord , how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

• Vv1-3. Gross calamity surrounds us.
• Calamity happens to all of us. They are a reality of life. How do you respond to them? We can not handle them on our own.
• When you face calamity the only place to run is to Jesus.
• Whatever your refuge is, if it is not Jesus, it WILL FAIL you.
• Psalm 142:5; John 16:33
• Vv 4-7. God’s comfort strengthens us.
• God will help us.
• God will give you victory and will strengthen us.
• Vv8-11. God’s calling sustains us.
• Matthew 14. A terrible storms at sea. Out of nowhere Jesus appears, in the midst of them. Jesus walks on the water.
• God is an EVER PRESENT help in time of trouble.
• Peter started to take his eyes off of Jesus and Peter started to sink.
• The wind and waves will come in our lives. We need to keep our eyes ON HIM.

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

Psa 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Psa 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Notice that David says “MINE” iniquity. David is admitting, it is HIS since, no one else. No excuses, it’s his.

Psa 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Psa 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Original sin. From the days of Adam and Eve in the garden.

Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

David admits that he knows the Commandments. He knows that God has taught him right and wrong.

Psa 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

David wants more than just forgiveness. He wants to be changed. He wants to put away the old, and enjoy the new. He is struggling, he is passionate.

Psa 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Psa 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

David is looking for a new heart, a heart that will not do wrong, will not sin. He doesn’t want to sin. He is pleading.

Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psa 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Evangelism in the Psalms. David wants to evangelize. He is not content being happy alone, he wants to help others. David is an adulterer, a murder, a liar, but he wants to evangelize. If you feel that you cannot evangelize, that is of the devil. Do not wait until you are perfect, because you will never be perfect, go ahead and evangelize.

Psa 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
Psa 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

When you have joy, praise is what comes out of your mouth. As God removes those obstacles from you, joy is what naturally comes out.

Psa 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

David is recognizing that God has pleasure with a broken spirit and a contrite heart.

Psa 51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Psa 51:19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

We should LIVE in Psalm 51, because we sin daily.

Psalms 51:1-12. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

2 truths in this psalm
1. Our sin is worse than we thought.
2. God’s Mercy is greater than we can imagine.

• Vv1-2. Mercy is needed.
• Transgression – David understood his transgression
• Iniquity –
• Sin – fell short
• Vv 3-6. Confession is offered.
• He acknowledges his sins. He admits his sin against the Lord. God defines sin, but we only sin against God. Since God defines sin, it is only against him that we sin.
• Vv 7-9. Cleansing requested.
• We must be washed in the blood ofChrist
• Vv 10:13 Renewal Desired
• David desires renewal AND he wants to help others from what he has learned.
• He now can worship rightly. We workshop God because He has already paid the price of our sin with His blood. David had previously worshipped himself by putting himself before God
• Vv 14-17 Worship Given
• Vv 18-19 Blessing Conferred

My Soul Thirsts for You

Psa 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
Psa 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Psa 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Psa 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
Psa 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
Psa 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
Psa 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
Psa 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
Psa 63:9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
Psa 63:10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
Psa 63:11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

“Seeking God in Worship”
Rev Mark Dooley
Leonardtown Baptist Church
8.6.2017

1. A definition of seeking.
Psa 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. Psa 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

Man in his natural state doesn’t seek God. But when you come to Christ, then you will seek God.

2. Who we seek.
thou art my God.

3. When we seek.
Psa 143:8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Psa 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Psa 59:16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Corporate worship would be a par of our lives. We should seek God when we are alone, daily.

4. Why we seek Him

a. So we can view His glory. Verse 2.
b. To experience His love. Verse 3.
c. To exalt his name. Verse 4.
d. To delight in his abundance. Verse 5.
e. To grasp his Word. Verse 6.
f. T receive his aide. Verse 7.
G So we might know is presence. Verse 8.

John 10:28-30 Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. 8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. 10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. 11 And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. 13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.

18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. 19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! 20 Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms. 21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

• V 1. Depending upon God’s promise.
• Vv 2-14. Doubting God’s Plan. Though he doubted, he did not disobey. He continued to trust and obey. We will all have doubts. But though we will all have doubts we still trust in God.
• Vv 15-26. DrawingNear to God’s Presence. True worship puts things in to true perspective. He is all we need. Jesus is all that we truly need.
• Vv27 -28. Declaring God’s Praise.

My Soul Longs for the Courts of the Lord

Psa 84:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

The ancient Jews believed God dwelt there, in the temple. The temple was the place where they went to meet God. In the Old Testament, God didn’t dwell with the people full time. He met them in the temple.

1Ki 8:27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Exodus 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

However TODAY, God dwells within us. His Spirit is within us, in our hearts.

1 Cor 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Cor 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Gittith = harp

amiable = loved

Korah = Korahites were gatekeepers. Korah was the great grandson of Levi. Singers of praise. Stands outside all day, creating people as they came in. Think about a modern day bell hop.

LORD = notice the CAPITOL letters of LORD. This refers to Jehovah. Self Existent or eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: – Jehovah, the Lord.

Psa 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

longeth = kâsaph (kaw-saf’) A primitive root; properly to become pale, that is, (by implication) to pine after; also to fear: – [have] desire, be greedy, long, sore.

courts = châtsêr (khaw-tsare’) From H2690 in its original sense; a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls): – court, tower, village.

heart = lêb (labe) The heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything

crieth = rânan (raw-nan’) A primitive root; properly to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), that is, to shout (usually for joy): – aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful, (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph.

God = ‘êl (ale) strength; as adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity): – God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might (-y one), power, strong. Compare names in “-el.”

Psa 84:3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

hosts = tsâbâ’ tsebâ’âh (tsaw-baw’, tseb-aw-aw’) a mass of persons (or figurative things), especially regularly organized for war (an army); by implication a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically hardship, worship): – appointed time, (+) army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war (-fare).

God = ‘Ä•lôhı̂ym (el-o-heem’) gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative: – angels, X exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X mighty.

Psa 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Psa 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Psa 84:6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

Baca = valley of tears

Here the author is saying that as he worships the Lord, he can even be happy in the valley of tears.

Psa 84:7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

Zion = a mountain of Jerusalem

Psa 84:8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.

prayer = intercession, supplication; by implication a hymn

Psa 84:9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.

shield = (that is, the small one or buckler); figuratively a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

anointed = mâshı̂yach maw-shee’-akh STRONGS From H4886; anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically the Messiah

Psa 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psa 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Psa 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Let Us Sing Songs of Praise

Psa 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

LORD: notice, all CAPS. yehôvâh yeh-ho-vaw’ From H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: – Jehovah, the Lord.

noise: figuratively to split the ears (with sound), that is, shout (for alarm or joy): – blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph.

salvation: From H3467; liberty, deliverance, prosperity: – safety, salvation, saving.

Psa 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

psalms: a song to be accompanied with instrumental music: – singing, song.

Psa 95:3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

God: ‘êl ale Shortened from H352; strength; as adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity): – God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might (-y one), power, strong.

For Yahweh is a great God. The object is to exalt Jehovah, the true God, as distinguished from all who were worshipped as gods. The first idea is that he is “great;” that he is exalted over all the universe; that he rules over all, and that he is to be worshipped as such.

Psa 95:4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

In his hand – In his power, or under his control as his own. That is, he so possesses all things that they can be claimed by no other. His right over them is absolute and entire.

deep places – means the interior, the inmost depth

The strength of the hills is his also – “The heights of the hills are his.” The word rendered “strength” – תועפות tô‛âphôth – means properly swiftness or speed in running; then, weariness, wearisome labor; and hence, wealth obtained by labor; “treasures.” Here the expression means “treasures of the mountains;” that is, treasures obtained out of the mountains, the precious metals, etc.

Psa 95:5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

The sea is his – Margin, as in Hebrew, “Whose the sea is.” That is, The sea belongs to him, with all which it contains.

And he made it – It is his, “because” he made it. The creation of anything gives the highest possible right over it.

And his hands formed the dry land – He has a claim, therefore, that it should be recognized as his, and that all who dwell upon it, and derive their support from it, should acknowledge him as its great Owner and Lord.

Psa 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

ALBERT BARNES: Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker – The usual attitude of prayer in the Scriptures. See the notes at Dan 6:10; compare 2Ch 6:13; Luk 22:41; Act 7:60; Act 9:40; Act 20:36; Act 21:5. All the expressions here employed denote a posture of profound reverence in worship, and the passage is a standing rebuke of all irreverent postures in prayer; of such habits as often prevail in public worship where no change of posture is made in prayer, and where a congregation irreverently sit in the act of professedly worshipping God. People show to their fellowmen the respect indicated by rising up before them: much more should they show respect to God – respect in a posture which will indicate profound reverence, and a deep sense of his presence and majesty. Reverently kneeling or standing “will” indicate this; sitting does not indicate it.

Psa 95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Psa 95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

As in the provocation … – “contention.” The original is “Meribah.” See Exo 17:7, where the original words Meribah, rendered here “provocation,” and “Massah,” rendered here “temptation,” are retained in the translation.

Psa 95:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Psa 95:10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

ALBERT BARNES. Forty years long – All the time that they were in the wilderness. During this long period their conduct was such as to try my patience and forbearance.

Was I grieved – The word used here – קוט qûṭ – means properly to loathe, to nauseate, to be disgusted with. It is translated “loathe” in Eze 6:9; Eze 20:43; Eze 36:31; and grieved in Psa 119:158; Psa 139:21. It is here expressive of the strong abhorrence which God had of their conduct. Compare Rev 3:16.

With this generation – With the entire generation that came out of Egypt. They were all cut off in the wilderness, except Caleb and Joshua.

And said, It is a people – It is a characteristic of the entire people, that they are disposed to wander from God.

That do err in their heart – In the Epistle to the Hebrews Heb 3:10 where this is quoted, it is, “They do always err in their heart.” The sense is substantially the same. See the notes at that place.

Psa 95:11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

ALBERT BARNES: That they should not enter into my rest – as in Hebrew, “If they enter into my rest.” The “rest” here referred to was the land of Canaan. They were not permitted to enter there as a place of “rest” after their long and weary wanderings, but died in the wilderness. The meaning is not that none of them were saved (for we must hope that very many of them were brought to the heavenly Canaan), but that they did not come to the promised land. Unbelief shut them out; and this fact is properly made use of here, and in Heb. 3, as furnishing a solemn warning to all not to be unbelieving and rebellious, since the consequence of unbelief and rebellion must be to exclude us from the kingdom of heaven, the true place of “rest.”

Psa 118:1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psa 118:2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Psa 118:3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Psa 118:4 Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Psa 118:5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
Psa 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Psa 118:7 The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

As believers we should engage iin the practice of gratitude. We should daily give thanks for what He has blessed us with.

Psa 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Psa 107:3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
Psa 107:4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
Psa 107:5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Psa 107:6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

Psa 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
Psa 118:9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

We have the privilege of gratitude. That is manifest in His protection, His presence, and His provision. God’s hands are bigger than ours, and He can provide for us much more than we could provide ourselves.

Psa 118:10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Psa 118:11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Psa 118:12 They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Psa 118:13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.
Psa 118:14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Psa 118:15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
Psa 118:16 the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
Psa 118:17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.
Psa 118:18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
Psa 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
Psa 118:20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

Jesus is our righteousness. As believers, we should find joy at the pinnacle of gratitude. We bring only sin to the table, but Jesus brings righteousness. But then, Jesus takes our sins from us, and puts the sins upon himself. By doing this, we are made righteous, because of what he has done for us. Do we display a grateful heart? Do we give thanks to the Lord, whose love endures forever?

Psa 118:21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
Psa 118:22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Psa 118:23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
Psa 118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psa 118:25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success!
Psa 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.
Psa 118:27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!
Psa 118:28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.
Psa 118:29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord

Psa 126:1 A Song of Ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Psa 126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
Psa 126:3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
Psa 126:4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
Psa 126:5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
Psa 126:6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Sermon on Psalm 126:1-6

6.19.2016

• Verse 3: Only the Lord can deliver us. The Lord HAS DONE great things for us. When life isn’t going well, just stop and think, the Lord has delivered us. This fact alone should give us great joy.

2. Persist in prayer (v.4)

3. Be steadfast in service (vv. 5-6)

• When we are in Christ, we can be steadfast.

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1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord , like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Vv. 1-3. Deliverance.
• After 70 years of discipline, God restored the Jews.
• Colossians 1:20. Have you been set free from your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ?
• Deut 10:21; Job 5:8-9; 1Sam 12:21; the greatness of God
• Luke 1:49;

V4 Temperance
• Rejoicing was tempered by the fact that all of the Jews had not returned with them.
• Ezra 9:8
• Some Jews stayed in captivity because it was easier than returning home and rebuilding their homes.

Vv 5-6 Persistence
• We must be persistent if we are going to be effective for the Lord JesusChrist
• We must persist in what God has called us to do.
• Don’t give up. God will deliver.

Psalm 136

Chapter 1

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Psa 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Rev. Mark Dooley, Leonardtown Baptist Church

Thankful for his person, verses 1-3

Psa 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

There is no other God but Yahweh. All other gods are false god. He is the one and the only. The bible never tries to “prove” it, there is no need.

Thankful for His providence, verses 4-9

Psa 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

God not only created the church, but he sustains His church every day. This means YOU. The church isn’t a building, it’s YOU. You cannot have a church without people. God accomplishes His will through His people.

Thankful for his protection, verses 10-22.

Psa 136:10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Who do you rely on for your protection? Our government, our police force, can NOT provide us with ultimate protection. But the abundance of violent crime and murder prove that even they can’t always protect us. But if you belong to God, He will keep you until the very end. Although you might face danger on this earth, that is not the end of it. Even after you die, you will be with God forever more.

Thankful for his provision, verses 23-26.

Psa 136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psa 136:24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 136:26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

In Jesus we find our ULTIMATE provision. When God frees us from our enemies, we must remember that the last enemy is death. God frees us from our last enemy. Semper Fi, Forever Faithful, is what we should be for God, because He is forever faithful.

Psa 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
Psa 105:2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Psa 105:3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Psa 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
Psa 105:5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
Psa 105:6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
Psa 105:7 He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
Psa 105:8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
Psa 105:9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
Psa 105:10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:

Psa 105:11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:
Psa 105:12 When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.
Psa 105:13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;
Psa 105:14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;
Psa 105:15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Psa 105:16 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.
Psa 105:17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
Psa 105:18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
Psa 105:19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
Psa 105:20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.

Psa 105:21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:
Psa 105:22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
Psa 105:23 Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
Psa 105:24 And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.
Psa 105:25 He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.
Psa 105:26 He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.
Psa 105:27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.
Psa 105:28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.
Psa 105:29 He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.
Psa 105:30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.

Psa 105:31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.
Psa 105:32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.
Psa 105:33 He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.
Psa 105:34 He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,
Psa 105:35 And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
Psa 105:36 He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.
Psa 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
Psa 105:38 Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
Psa 105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
Psa 105:40 The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
Psa 105:41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.
Psa 105:42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.
Psa 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
Psa 105:44 And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;
Psa 105:45 That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.

Rev. Mark Dooley, Leonardtown Baptist Church

Psalm 105:-145

• Remember God’s Gracious election. Verses 1-15
• Remember God’s wise preparation. Verses 16-25
• Remember God’s awesome judgments. Verses 26-41
• Remember God’s dependable promises. Verses 42-45